"Then, in that case, I will attempt to ensure that both parties are able to secure each of their demands in a mutually beneficial cooperative partnership," Rui replied. "I am more than equipped to begin exploring potential models for the partnership between the Silas Clan and the Martial Union."

He pulled out several sheets of paper from a folder. Each of them focused on elements of a potential agreement or was a template for the partnership between the Martial Union and the Silas Clan with basic terms and conditions between the Martial Union and the Silas Clan.

"The first and what might be the most pertinent tenant, in my opinion, would be the clause of mutual aid," Rui began. "This clause specifies that both parties will be obliged to provide proportional aid to each other in the event that a party is a victim of a sustained and unprovoked assault. This clause lends the power of the Martial Union to the Silas Clan to fulfill the aforementioned security requirement for the Silas Clan."

Neither side had any issues with the spirit of the agreement, as Rui had privately conferred with both sides about it, but there were potential issues in defining the details.

"What exactly counts as unprovoked in these circumstances?" Matriarch Nephi raised an eyebrow. "The Kandrian Empire has made enemies in its history during the Age of Martial Art. It has undoubtedly provoked at least some of them in the past; what if an attack on the Martial Union is a long-awaited retaliation for transgressions of the Martial Union in the distant past?"

It was a valid concern.

The Martial Union had undoubtedly picked fights in the past, and Matriarch Nephi wanted nothing to do with conflicts provoked by the Martial Union in the past.

"It refers to conflicts provoked after the signing of the agreement," Rui replied. "The history of East Panama is such that any attack can be construed as a retaliation. It would be unreasonable to evade aiding the Martial Union by finding some niche historical justification for the attack, thus giving the Silas Clan justification to not fulfill its obligation. The spirit of the agreement is violated if this occurs."

Approval flashed in the eyes of the Union Martial Sages as Rui firmly put his foot down to be fair to the Martial Union.

"I'm sure your grandson has informed you of this, but nobody attacks the Martial Union," the Mountain of Fortitude remarked with a hint of arrogance. "Very few are even qualified to. On top of that, attacking us in our stronghold and domain of power is almost suicide, even if conducted by a force with the same amount of Martial power as the Martial Union. Rest assured, you will not be dragged into countless battles."

RUMBLE

It was almost as if his confidence alone radiated seismic radiation through the lands beneath them.

"Then why do you seek the clause of mutual aid so much?" Matriarch Nephi raised an eyebrow with askance. "If conflict is rare, then there should be no reason to seek our reinforcements."

"It is because we are strong that conflict is rare," the Flickering Elder replied calmly. "If we didn't amass power, we would be targeted. This world is still a world of survival of the fittest. The Silas Clan should understand this truth better than anybody else, does it not?"

Matriarch Nephi definitely had to admit that she had a point.

"Ultimately, we're stronger together than apart, is all," the Hugging Hegemon grinned. "We can also fight stronger opponents if and when we are attacked." Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Typical Fire Sect," the Mountain of Fortitude snorted. "The point is to not get attacked; that's why the Matriarch seeks us. Are you trying to sabotage us?"

"Hey, just sayin'." She shrugged nonchalantly.

Rui wasn't sure why the Sage Council had chosen to send her, but if one representative of the Fire Sect needed to be present, then Rui figured that it was better for her than the maniac that was Kane's father.

The Flickering Elder heaved a sigh, glancing at the matriarch of the Silas Clan with an apologetic expression. "Rest assured, the Martial Union does not pick fights just to fight stronger Martial Artists. Individuals can make individual choices that have nothing to do with the Martial Union and thus will not apply to the mutual aid clause that is specified."

That earned Matriarch Nephi's approval. "Then, I do not care what individuals do or say. The Silas Clan will not fight to clean up the mess of particularly aggressive members of the Martial Union."

"That is understandable; however, if the Martial Union is attacked unprovoked, including territory or authoritative and significant members of the Union, then we will expect you to comply with the clause. Can you confirm you are in agreement with this?"

"I am," Matriarch Nephi firmly affirmed. "In turn, I expect that the Martial Union will abide by this agreement to the final letter. The Silas Clan has been attacked many times in the past; we expect you to supply solid reinforcements matching the threat if we are attacked unprovoked."

"We swear to abide by this condition absolutely on behalf of the Martial Union," the Flickering Elder declared.

Very quickly, both parties came to an agreement on one element of the partnership between the Martial Union and the Silas Clan. Rui had expected this, having received a positive response when he proposed the agreement to each side privately.

"We have taken the first step to arrive at a final agreement for the partnership between the Martial Union and the Silas Clan," Rui remarked optimistically as he swiftly noted the clause in an empty template for the contract. "With that, one of each of the aforementioned interests and objectives of both parties has been fulfilled; let us engage in discourses and explore other potential agreements that both parties can have."

The deliberation proceeded smoothly as Rui delicately and gently guided the discussion down productive directions relevant to both parties.

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